JP4325601B2 - Playback device, playback method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing data recorded on a recording medium, a method thereof, and a program executed by the reproducing apparatus.

Imaging devices such as video cameras and digital still cameras configured to store information on captured images such as still images or moving images obtained by imaging in a recording medium are widely used. Further, since the capacities per unit price of various recording media are greatly increased, the capacity of the recording media is also increasing in the above-described imaging apparatus.
In the situation where the storage capacity of the recording medium is small as before, if the remaining storage capacity of one recording medium decreases, it is replaced with a spare recording medium, or a large capacity such as an HDD is frequently used. Data has been transferred to a recording medium. However, when the capacity of the recording medium is increased as described above, the recording medium is not frequently exchanged or copied to another recording medium, and the recording medium is stored on the recording medium. It is conceivable that the usage pattern is such that the captured image information is recorded.

  If the usage pattern is as described above, the number of pieces of image information recorded on one recording medium may be enormously large. Based on such a premise, it is effective to use a so-called slide show playback function when displaying and browsing image information recorded on a recording medium by an imaging device. In general, a slide show automatically and sequentially displays captured image information so that it is a fixed time interval for a still image. For this reason, it is not necessary for the user to select the captured image information to be displayed one by one, and this advantage becomes more prominent as the number of captured image information recorded on the recording medium increases.

JP 2004-336666 A

However, as a matter of fact, the order of captured image information recorded on a recording medium by a video camera or a digital still camera is usually managed based on the shooting time. Therefore, if the slide image-like sequential display is applied to the captured image information managed in this way, it is appropriate to perform the display in the order corresponding to the imaging time. That is, when the slide show is executed, the display is always started from the latest captured image information or the oldest captured image information.
Actually, even if a slide show is executed, the user does not always browse all captured image information recorded on the recording medium to the end. For this reason, no matter how many times the slide show is executed, the user always sees only new captured image information in the imaging time or old captured image information, and the captured image information that is in the middle of the imaging time. It ’s hard to see.
In other words, for example, when a slideshow-like sequential reproduction is performed so as to directly correspond to the management format of the recording data in the recording medium, the recording data is always reproduced only in a certain order according to the management format. Will be biased.

In view of the above-described problems, the present invention is configured as a playback apparatus as follows.
That is, one classification area is randomly selected from the above classification areas for recording media in which data is managed so that unit data belongs to each classification area that is a data storage area created according to a predetermined classification. The classification region selection means for excluding at least the last selected classification region from the selection candidates from the selection candidates and executing the selection of the current classification region, and the classification region selection means. Unit data selecting means for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the selected classification area; and reproducing means for reading out and reproducing the unit data selected by the unit data selecting means from the recording medium; A selection process comprising selection of a classification area by the classification area selection means and selection of unit data by the unit data selection means. Ri with selecting unit data by returning, these selected unit data, and a execution control means for controlling so as to be sequentially reproduced by said reproducing means according to the selected order.
In addition, for a recording medium in which data is managed so that unit data belongs to each classification area that is a data storage area created according to a predetermined classification, one classification area is randomly selected from the above classification areas Therefore, if all the classification areas are selected at least once by the selection of the classification areas until the previous time, the current classification area is selected from the state where all the classification areas are selected as selection candidates. A classification area selection means to be performed, a unit data selection means for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification area selected by the classification area selection means, and the unit data selection means Reproducing unit for reading out and reproducing the unit data from the recording medium, selection of the classification area by the classification area selection unit, and the unit data Execution of selecting unit data by repeating a selection process consisting of selection of unit data by the selection means and controlling the selected unit data to be sequentially reproduced by the reproduction means according to the selected order. And a control means.

In the above configuration, the recording data is recorded on the recording medium in a format managed so that the unit data belongs for each classification area. On the premise of this, in the present invention, as a selective reproduction operation for one unit data for sequentially reproducing unit data, a classification region is randomly selected and a unit is selected from the selected classification region. Data is selected and played back.
With such a configuration, randomness within the category of the classification region is given to the reproduction order of unit data. In other words, with respect to the reproduction order of the unit data, the influence of the storage management format of classifying the unit data by the set for each classification area is eliminated.

  In this way, according to the present invention, when sequential reproduction of recorded data in a slide show is performed, randomness is given to the reproduction order so as to eliminate as much as possible the deviation due to the recording management format of the recorded data. As a result, for example, the appearance rate of the recording data output every time sequential reproduction is performed becomes more uniform than before, and the usefulness of the sequential reproduction function for the user is enhanced.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described. In this embodiment, a case where the configuration of the playback apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described as an example. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of recording and reproducing either a still image or a moving image as a recorded image recording / reproducing function.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment.
In the digital camera 1 shown in this figure, the optical system unit 2 includes an imaging lens, a diaphragm, and the like, and forms incident light on the photoelectric conversion unit 3 as imaging light. Further, the optical system unit 2 includes a focus adjustment mechanism for focus adjustment, a diaphragm variable mechanism that varies the diaphragm according to the diaphragm value, and the like. Is performed by a drive signal output from the camera function unit 6. The camera function unit 6 is configured to output a required drive signal so as to obtain an appropriate focus state, aperture state, and the like, under the control of the CPU 10.
For example, when an optical zoom function is to be provided, a zoom mechanism for moving the zoom lens is provided in the optical system unit 2 and driving for moving the zoom mechanism in accordance with the control of the CPU 10 in the same manner as described above. What is necessary is just to provide a part. Further, the camera function unit 6 may be configured to provide a strobe light emission function after providing a strobe.

  The photoelectric conversion unit 3 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that is a photoelectric conversion element, and performs imaging conversion by photoelectrically converting imaging light incident from the optical system unit 2 and imaged on the light receiving surface. Is output to the image signal processing unit 4. At the time of shooting, for example, an instruction of the shutter speed determined according to the exposure setting result is notified from the CPU 10 to the image signal processing unit 4. The image signal processing unit 4 outputs a scanning timing signal corresponding to the notified shutter speed to the photoelectric conversion unit 3. The photoelectric conversion unit 3 performs scanning according to the scanning timing signal, executes photoelectric conversion processing, and outputs a video signal.

The image signal processing unit 4 performs waveform shaping on the analog video signal (captured image signal) input from the photoelectric conversion unit 3 by performing, for example, gain adjustment and sample hold processing, and then performs A / D conversion. By doing so, it is converted into digital video signal data. Then, for the digital video signal obtained by this conversion process, for example, a process for generating display luminance data is performed, and a video signal process for displaying on the display unit 7 is executed. Accordingly, the image signal processing unit 4 can execute signal processing for a so-called on-screen display so that a character image or the like can be displayed superimposed on the captured image under the control of the CPU 10.
The actual display device employed as the display unit 7 is not particularly limited, but currently, liquid crystal display panels are widely employed.

In addition, the image signal processing unit 4 uses an analog video signal input from the photoelectric conversion unit 3 in response to the still image shooting mode, for example, by performing image data compression processing by a predetermined method as a photograph. It is possible to generate still image file data in a predetermined format.
Further, the image signal processing unit 4 corresponding to the moving image shooting mode performs, for example, a compression encoding process by a predetermined method on the digital video signal obtained by converting the analog video signal input from the photoelectric conversion unit 3, Generate compressed video data.

Further, the image signal processing unit 4 receives an image (video) signal input from the photoelectric conversion unit 3, an AV (Audio Video) data file (AV file) read from a medium, which will be described later, and the like in a predetermined format. It can be converted into an analog video signal or a digital video signal and output to an external device or the like via the image input / output unit 5.
The image input / output unit 5 can input a video signal of a predetermined system from the outside, and the input video signal can be displayed on the display unit 7 through the processing of the image signal processing unit 4. The image signal processing unit 4 converts the video signal input by the image input / output unit 5 into recording data and transfers the video signal to the media controller 13 in the same manner as the analog video signal input from the photoelectric conversion unit 3. You can also
Correspondingly, the image input / output unit 5 includes, for example, a video (image) signal output terminal / video signal input terminal according to a predetermined method.

In addition, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes an audio processing unit 8 and an audio input / output unit 9 so that audio signals can be input / output.
First, for voice input, a microphone or the like is provided as the voice input / output unit 9, and external voices are collected and converted into voice signals to be inputted. The audio signal input in this manner is output to the audio processing unit 8. For example, in response to the moving image shooting mode, the audio processing unit 8 performs audio signal processing such as conversion into compressed audio data encoded by an audio compression encoding method corresponding to compression encoding of a captured image. In correspondence with the still image shooting mode, audio signal processing for generating audio data in a predetermined format accompanying the still image file data is performed. Furthermore, an independent audio data file of a predetermined format can be generated.

In response to the moving image shooting mode, the CPU 10 performs predetermined processing based on the compressed video data for the captured image obtained by the image signal processing unit 4 and the compressed audio data for the collected sound obtained by the audio processing unit 8. The control process for forming the moving image file of the format is executed. In this moving image file, a playback time axis of audio output by reproducing compressed audio data is synchronized with a moving image output by reproducing compressed video data. The configuration for actually forming the moving image file may be a software configuration for digital signal processing obtained by the CPU 10 executing the program, or hardware for forming the moving image file. In addition, the CPU 10 may be configured to control the operation of the hardware.
The audio processing unit based on the data as the moving image file, the data as the still image file generated corresponding to the still image shooting mode, and the sound collected by the microphone of the audio input / output processing unit 9 The audio data generated at 8 is transferred as recording data to the media controller 13 under the control of the CPU 10, for example.

  The audio input / output unit 9 may be configured to include an audio signal input terminal and the like to input an audio signal from an external audio device or the like. The audio processor 8 converts the audio signal input from the audio signal input terminal into a digital audio data file in a predetermined format. The CPU 10 can also transfer data of such a digital audio data file to the media controller 13 as recording data.

  The media controller 13 is configured to be able to execute control processing related to data processing for these media in association with predetermined different types of external media (storage media) and external storage devices (storage devices) in cooperation with the CPU 10. Is done. Data processing for the media here refers to data to be stored in the media, such as media format processing and file write / read processing for file management information (file management information). Any related process.

In the present embodiment, a hard disk drive (HDD) is first connected to the media controller 13. The HDD is a storage device including a magnetic disk as a storage medium, which is called a hard disk as is well known, and currently, a large capacity of a gigabyte class can be obtained at a relatively low cost. As is well known, physical data is read / written from / to a magnetic disk as a storage medium by applying a magnetic field and detecting a magnetic field while tracing a track formed on the magnetic disk by a magnetic head. Realized.
Further, the HDD in this case may be fixedly incorporated in the digital camera 1, for example, or may be a removable form according to a predetermined standard that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 1 (host). May be.

Further, in this figure, the media controller 13 is capable of data processing corresponding to a predetermined type of optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor storage device which is a storage device including a semiconductor memory element. .
In the case of corresponding to an optical disk and a magneto-optical disk, the device includes a device as a drive configured to be able to write / read data corresponding to these recording (storage) media, and these device and media controller 13 will be connected.
In the case of supporting a semiconductor memory device, the main body of the digital camera 1 is provided with a slot in which the semiconductor memory device is inserted and removed according to the actual standard of the semiconductor memory device. When the semiconductor memory device is properly loaded in the slot, the pin terminal of the semiconductor memory device is connected to the electrode of the connector part of the slot, and the semiconductor memory device can communicate with the media controller 13. It will be connected as possible.

  As described above, the media controller 13 sends the recording data to the media (storage medium, storage device) connected to the media controller 13 in response to the transfer of the recording data. Is further transferred to the medium selected as the target. In the medium to which the data has been transferred, the data is written and stored in the storage area in accordance with an instruction from the media controller 13 side. In this way, data (AV file, still image file, audio data, etc.) stored in the medium is stored and managed as a file. Note that management of files stored on the media is performed by a predetermined file system.

For example, when reproducing a moving image file as a reproduction of a file stored in the medium, the CPU 10 and the media controller 13 access and read the designated moving image file. The moving image file read out in this way is separated into compressed video data and compressed audio data, for example, by the processing of the CPU 10, the compressed video data is transferred to the image signal processing unit 4, and the compressed audio signal is processed as an audio processing unit. 8 is handed over.
In this case, the image signal processing unit 4 and the audio processing unit 8 respectively perform necessary reproduction signal processing including demodulation processing on the compressed video data and the compressed audio data transferred as described above. As a result, an image obtained by reproducing the compressed video data is displayed on the display unit 7, and the audio input / output unit 9 has an audio signal obtained by reproducing the compressed audio data in synchronization with the reproduction time of the image. Then, it can be output as audio by the speaker, or can be output from the headphone terminal.

  In addition, for example, an audio data file reproduced from a medium is output as a predetermined format audio signal and audio data to the outside via the audio input / output unit 9 after being subjected to the audio signal processing of the audio processing unit 8. It is also possible. In this case, the audio input / output unit 9 includes an audio output terminal corresponding to a format of a predetermined audio signal and audio data output from the audio processing unit 8.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 executes various control processes for the digital camera 1 by executing a program. The ROM 11 stores various setting information used for the CPU 10 to execute processing in addition to various programs executed by the CPU 10. The RAM 12 is used as a work area when the CPU 10 executes processing according to a program, and holds data such as various arithmetic processing results.
The non-volatile memory 12a is formed of a memory element such as a flash memory that does not erase the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, and data writing / reading is executed under the control of the CPU 10. The The data (information) to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 12a is generally setting information whose contents are appropriately changed, but is not particularly limited, and the actual specifications of the digital camera 1 and the like. It is sufficient to store various required information according to

In this case, the operation input unit 15 collectively indicates various operators provided in the digital camera 1. For example, the operators in the operation input unit 15 include a shutter button operated at the time of taking a picture, an operator for selecting a shooting mode, an operator for increasing / decreasing parameters, and the like.
Furthermore, the operation input unit 15 in this case includes a configuration for realizing an input operation as a GUI using, for example, the display screen of the display unit 7.

  The communication unit 16 is a part configured by mounting hardware and software for communicating with an external device by a predetermined data communication method according to the control of the CPU 10. The data communication system supported by the communication unit 16 is not particularly limited regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, and the number of corresponding data communication systems should not be limited. At present, the data communication system can be a network such as Ethernet (trademark), data bus standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394, etc. . In the case of wireless, short-range wireless communication between devices such as Bluetooth (trademark) and wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g can be cited.

  The power supply unit 17 supplies operating power to various hardware devices in the digital camera 1, and includes, for example, a power supply circuit that operates by receiving power supply from a battery or a power adapter.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a specific example of a management state of data (recording data) recorded on a medium (recording medium) by the digital camera 1 having the above configuration. In this figure, it is assumed that there are two types of files (unit data) recorded on the media as moving image files and still image files. For convenience of explanation, independent files as audio data are recorded. Shall not.

First, a directory called an event (classification area) is arranged on the medium. In the figure, a set of these events is shown as an event group. The classification of events in this case is based on the date (file recording date) when the file stored under the event hierarchy was recorded. In the figure, as events in the event group, from left to right,
File recording date = “January 1, 2004”
File recording date = “January 2, 2004”
File recording date = “April 7, 2004”
File recording date = "May 5, 2004"
File recording date = “August 13th, 2004”
File recording date = “August 15th, 2004”
File recording date = “10/10/2004”
File recording date = “February 25, 2004”
A state in which the following eight events are arranged is shown.
Further, for example, in the file system according to the present embodiment, the directory as the event is managed with a directory name based on the file recording date. For example, if the event of file recording date = “January 1, 2004”, a file name generated in accordance with a predetermined rule is added using a numerical value expressing “January 1, 2004”. Yes. In the following, in the event of specifying an event, for example, the event [2004/1/1]
In this way, the corresponding file recording date is shown in [].

Here, for example, taking the event [2004/5/5] as an example,
Movie file M-41
Still image file S-41
Movie file M-42
Movie file M-43
Still image file S-42
Is stored. In this way, a set of one or more files stored in one event is referred to herein as an in-event file group.
In the present embodiment, the intra-event file group is managed according to the file recording time (time) of the corresponding event in the file recording date. In the event file group of the event [2004/5/5] described above, the file recording time is shown to be delayed from the top to the bottom in the figure. In other words, in terms of recording time, the moving image file M-41, the still image file S-41, the moving image file M-42, the moving image file M-43, and the still image file S-42 are recorded on the media in this order. In the event [2004/5/5], management is performed in the order according to the recording time.
In addition, the file names of the files stored in each event in this way are also given based on the file recording time, for example, under the control of the file system. For confirmation, the reference numerals of files shown as M-n, Sn, etc. attached to the files in this figure are those used to individually identify the files on the drawing. It has nothing to do with the actual file name.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in order to manage events and files by recording date and recording time, for example, a clock function that the CPU 10 has may be used.

  The video camera 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration shown in FIG. 1 and sequentially reproduces a moving image file and a still image file recorded on a medium in the state managed as described above in a slide show manner. It has a function. In other words, moving image files and still image files recorded on the media (both are collectively referred to as image files) are read one by one and displayed on the display unit 7 (at this time, sound is also played back at the same time). It is made to repeat the operation of "you may be good" sequentially. In the present embodiment, for this sequential reproduction, one still image file is displayed and output for a predetermined time. Further, it is assumed that one moving image file is displayed and output from the beginning to the end. However, for example, an upper limit playback time length may be set for a moving image file.

Here, when actually executing the above-described sequential playback function, it is possible to realize playback of image files in ascending order and descending order according to the recording date and recording time, for example, with the simplest algorithm. It becomes a method. As described above, in the present embodiment, the files recorded on the recording medium are managed by the recording date and the recording time, and the configuration of the video camera 1 of the present embodiment also allows It can be easily realized.
However, if the reproduction is performed sequentially in the order determined according to the recording date and recording time, the problem described above as a problem occurs.
Therefore, the video camera 1 of the present embodiment performs sequential playback (hereinafter also referred to as random playback) while randomly selecting files. In addition, in this random reproduction, consideration is given so as not to cause a bias in the appearance rate in terms of recording date and recording time as the file management format as much as possible.

Hereinafter, a procedure for performing random reproduction according to the present embodiment will be conceptually described with reference to FIGS.
In performing random reproduction, first, as shown in FIG. 3, an event number is set for each event forming an event group. As the event number, a different value is set for each event, and a serial number is assigned as a whole. As a specific example of the correspondence between the event and the event number in this case,
Event number = 00000001 for event [2004/1/1]
Event number = 00000002 for event [2004/1/2]
Event number = 00000003 for event [2004/4/7]
Event number = 00000004 for the event [2004/5/5]
Event number = 00000005 for the event [2004/8/13]
Event number = 00000006 for the event [2004/8/15]
Event number = 00000007 for the event [2004/10/10]
Event number = 00000008 for the event [2004/12/25]
It is said.
The reason for setting the event number by serial number for each event in this way is that, as will be described later, random selection for the event is executed for random playback. That is, random numbers are used for actual random selection. Since the random number is only information as a numerical value, it is necessary to specify a one-to-one relationship between the numerical value generated by the random number and the event. Considering this, if an attempt is made to correspond to a numerical value generated by a random number with the event name set based on the recording date, the algorithm in this part becomes complicated. Therefore, if it is set so that a serial event number is assigned to an event, the correspondence with a numerical value generated by a random number can be directly specified by this event number. The reason why the event numbers are serial numbers is usually that random numbers are generated in a continuous numerical range. In addition, the above correspondence between the event and the event number is merely an example, and it is not always necessary to correspond the sequence of the event numbers to the order of the recording date of the event. You only need to support one-on-one.
The event number set in this way may be used in a fixed manner between the start and end of random playback.

In addition, for each file within an event, a file is assigned with a file number within the event that is a serial number. As an example, FIG. 4 shows a case where an in-event file number is assigned to an in-event file group stored in an event number [2004/5/5].
As described above, the in-event file group of event number [2004/5/5] is recorded in the order of the earliest recording time (time).
1. Movie file M-41
2. Still image file S-41
3. Movie file M-42
4). Movie file M-43
5. Still image file S-42
It becomes. For such a set of files, in the case of FIG.
File number in event for video file M-41 = 00000001
File number in event = 00000002 for still image file S-41
File number in event = 00000003 for video file M-42
File number in event for video file M-43 = 00000004
File number in event = 00000005 for still image file S-42
Is going to be set.
Then, the setting of the in-event file number is performed in the same manner for the files constituting the in-event file group of other events.
As in the case of an event, a serial number as an in-event file number is attached to a file as described above, which is necessary when a file is randomly selected from a group of in-event files. It is. In this case as well, it is only necessary to have a one-to-one correspondence between the file in the event file group and the file number in the event. It is not necessary to correspond to the order of file recording times.
The in-event file number set as described above should also be used fixedly between the start and end of random playback. However, in the processing procedure to be described later, the in-event file number is set every time a file from the in-event file group is to be randomly reproduced. However, the correspondence between the file number in the event and the file set each time is the same every time, and does not change between the start and end of one random reproduction.
In this way, in the present embodiment, for example, in the file system, an event name (directory name), an event managed by the file name, a file, an event using a random number, and a random selection of the file are adapted. Event number and in-event file number are set. This can be seen as optimizing event and file name management in response to random selection of events and files.

As described above, after setting the event number and the file number in the event, in this embodiment, the files to be randomly played are sequentially selected and sequentially played in the following procedure. Is done. In the following description, it is assumed that event numbers are set in the same manner as in FIG. As for the in-event file numbers, it is assumed that serial numbers are assigned in ascending order according to the order of the recording time in accordance with FIG.
5 and 6 show a specific example of a file selection result by random reproduction according to the present embodiment. In these figures, the numbers shown in circles indicate the order selected by random reproduction.
Random playback is started in response to a user operation. In this case, it is assumed that the moving image file M- 42 in the event [2004/5/5] is first randomly selected and played in response to a random playback start operation by the user.
That is, when an event number and an in-event file number are set as described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 according to the start operation of random playback, random selection of an event is performed first. As a result, 00000004 occurred and the result of selecting the event [2004/5/5] was obtained. Then, when the in-event file group of this event [2004/5/5] is selected at random, 00000003 is generated as a random number, and the result of selecting the moving image file M-42 is obtained. It is what was done. Therefore, the recorded data as the moving image file M-42 is read and reproduced and output.

As described above, after the first moving image file M-42 is selected, the next file to be reproduced and output is selected as follows.
Even in the second file selection, an event is first randomly selected, and one file is randomly selected from the file group in the selected event. In this embodiment, in selecting a file to be reproduced and output in this way, a series of procedures including a random selection of an event and a random selection for a file in the selected event are executed. These procedures are repeated every time a file is selected.
However, in the present embodiment, events that have been selected once in the past among all events are excluded from selection candidates. As a result, the event selected once is prevented from being selected repeatedly until the random selection of all events is completed. Thereby, the uniformity of the probability regarding event selection is maintained.

  According to the above, in the event random selection in the second file selection, the event selected in the first file selection is excluded from the selection candidates. In the example of FIG. 5, since the event selected in the first file selection is event [2004/5/5], seven events excluding this event are randomly selected as candidates.

  As a result of the random selection of the event, it is assumed here that the event [2004/10/10] is selected. Then, the still image file S-72 is selected as a result of random selection of files targeted for the file group in the event [2004/10/10]. According to this result, after the reproduction of the moving image file M-42 is completed, the still image file S-72 is reproduced and output, for example, for a predetermined time.

  In the random selection of events in the next third file selection, the events selected in the past first and second times are excluded from the selection candidates. In this case, the event [2004/1/1] is selected, the still image file S-14 is selected as a result of the random selection for the in-event file group, and the playback is continued from the still image file S-72. Is output.

Similarly, in the fourth file selection, the event selected in the first to third times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/8/13 ] Is selected, and as a result of random selection for the in-event file group, a moving image file M-55 is selected and reproduced and output following the still image file S-14.
In the fifth file selection, the event selected in the first to fourth times is excluded from the selection candidates and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/12/25] is selected. As a result of random selection for the in-event file group, the moving image file M-81 is selected and reproduced and output following the moving image file M-55.
In the sixth file selection, the event selected in the first to fifth times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/8/15] is selected. As a result of random selection for the in-event file group, the still image file S-62 is selected and reproduced and output following the moving image file M-81.
In the seventh file selection, the event selected in the first to sixth times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/1/2] is selected. As a result of random selection for the in-event file group, the moving image file M-22 is selected and reproduced and output following the still image file S-62.
In the 8th file selection, the event selected in the 1st to 7th times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/4/7] is selected. As a result of random selection for the in-event file group, the still image file S-31 is selected and reproduced and output following the moving image file M-22.

  When the eighth file selection is completed, the event random selection is completed. That is, all eight events have been selected once. In such a state, in the next file selection, all the selectable events are set as selection candidates once again, and the same procedure as before is performed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the result of file selection in the second round after the event selection shown in FIG. 5 is completed.
In this case, after the procedure shown in FIG. 5 is completed (event selection is completed), events that can be selected as candidates are all eight events. Although the reason will be described later, an event that cannot be selected as a candidate is an event in which all files in the event have been selected and reproduced.

In the event selection stage in the first file selection in the second round shown in FIG. 6 (the ninth time after FIG. 5), as described above, all eight events are selection candidates. Yes. Then, as a result of randomly selecting these eight events as candidates, event [2004/1/1] is selected here.
Subsequently, a file is randomly selected from the file group in the selected event [2004/1/1]. At this time, the file is selected in the first round. The still image file S-14 is excluded from the selection candidates. This corresponds to the fact that in the present embodiment, a file that has been randomly selected once should be excluded from the selection candidates. By adopting such rule setting, for example, the same file is prevented from being selected repeatedly until the file selection between events is completed.
Based on this, even in the event file group other than the event [2004/1/1], the file selected and reproduced in FIG. 5 is excluded from the candidates for random selection.
As a result of performing random selection of files by excluding the still image file S-14 from the selection candidates from the file group in the event [2004/1/1], in FIG. 11 is selected, and the still image file S-31 reproduced and output last in FIG. 5 is reproduced and output.

  Subsequently, in the second file selection, the event [2004/1/1] selected in the first time is excluded from the selection candidates, and event random selection is performed. As a result, the event [2004/8/13] Is selected. Subsequently, in the random selection for the file group in the event [2004/8/13], the moving image file M-55 that has been selected in the first round is excluded from the selection candidates. As a result of the random selection of this file, here, the moving image file M-52 is selected and reproduced and output following the still image file S-11.

In the third file selection, the event selected in the first and second times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/10/10] is selected. Subsequently, after removing the still image file S-72 that has been selected in the first round from the selection candidates, a random selection is performed on the file group in the event [2004/10/10], and the selection is performed. As a result, a still image file S-71 is obtained and reproduced and output following the moving image file M-52.
In the fourth file selection, the event selected in the first to third times is excluded from the selection candidates and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/4/7] is selected. Depending on the random selection of the file group in the subsequent event [2004/4/7], the moving image file M-31 is selected from the selection candidates excluding the still image file S-31 and is played back after the still image file S-71. Is output.
In the fifth file selection, the event selected in the first to fourth times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/8/15] is selected. Depending on the random selection of the file group in the subsequent event [2004/8/15], the still image file S-61 is selected from the selection candidates excluding the still image file S-62, and is played back after the moving image file M-31. Is output.
In the sixth file selection, the event selected in the first to fifth times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/1/2] is selected. Depending on the random selection of the file group in the subsequent event [2004/1/2], the moving image file M-21 is selected from the selection candidates excluding the moving image file M-22, and is reproduced and output following the still image file S-61. Is done.
In the seventh file selection, the event selected in the first to sixth times is excluded from the selection candidates and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/12/25] is selected. Then, depending on the random selection for the file group in the event [2004/12/25], the still image file S-81 is selected from the selection candidates excluding the moving image file M-81, and is reproduced following the moving image file M-21. Is output.
In the eighth file selection, the event selected in the first to seventh times is excluded from the selection candidates, and the event is randomly selected. As a result, the event [2004/5/5] is selected. Subsequently, depending on the random selection for the file group in this event [2004/5/5], the still image file S-42 is selected from the selection candidates excluding the moving image file M-42, and the still image file S-81 is continued. Is played back and output.

Similarly, in the third and subsequent rounds, files that have not yet been played back (selected) are selected from the selected events while all eight events are selected in a round. Random selection will be played.
Incidentally, for example, in the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are two files stored in the event [2004/8/15], which are still image files S-61 and S-62. Therefore, from the third round after the event selection is performed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are no more unreproduced files in the event [2004/8/15]. In this way, an event in which all of the files stored in itself are already reproduced is excluded from selection candidates for event random selection until all the files have been reproduced. Therefore, when starting the third round of random selection of events, which is assumed to follow FIG. 6, event [2004/8/15] is excluded from the selection candidates in the random selection of events for the first playback file selection. It will be.
Thereafter, in the same manner, the event is sequentially excluded from the selection candidates and the event is randomly selected. As a result, only the event [2004/1/1] having the largest number of stored files is finally obtained. The last file remaining as an unreproduced file is selected and reproduced from among the files in the event [2004/1/1] that remain as candidates for event random selection. At the stage where the reproduction of the last file is completed, the random reproduction of all the files recorded on the medium has been completed. From this time on, the file playback history is completely cleared and returned to the same initial state as when random playback started, and then random playback is continued.

In this way, in the present embodiment, when a file is randomly reproduced, the event selection to which the file belongs is given a random property and then it is circulated. In other words, the already selected event is excluded from the selection candidates, and a random selection of events is made to make a round, and this is repeated.
Thereby, as a result of random reproduction of the file, it is possible to effectively reduce the bias of the appearance probability when viewed from the file attribute called event. In the case of the present embodiment, since the classification as an event is the recording date, the date bias of the appearance probability is effectively reduced as a file that is randomly reproduced. In addition, the files in the event are managed by the recording time (time) in the recording date indicated by the event, but the file with the same recording date is selected because the random selection of the event has cyclicity. Are not played continuously. That is, even when viewed as the recording time (time) in the same recording date, the bias in appearance probability is eliminated.

It should be noted that event selection under the present invention includes simply performing random selection of events every time using all events as selection candidates. In addition, for example, it may be possible to prevent the same event from being selected twice in succession, and to apply an event random selection algorithm. Even with these methods and algorithms, for example, when compared with the case of sequentially reproducing in the order of recording date and recording time, the unevenness of the date of appearance probability is reduced. However, by providing cyclicity to event selection as in the present embodiment, the daily bias of the appearance probability is more effectively reduced.
In addition, regarding random selection of in-event files, all the in-event files are selected as candidates, or the file selected last time and the file selected this time need not be the same. Random selection can be performed. However, even in this case, if an image file once selected as in the present embodiment is excluded from selection candidates and a random selection of in-event files is performed, for example, an event Since the same file is not selected in the first and second rounds of selection, the appearance rate of files in terms of recording time (time) can be made more uniform.
In addition, as the random reproduction performed under the present invention, it is possible to give randomness to the selection of the event, and the selection of the image file in the selected event may follow a predetermined rule such as based on the recording date and time, for example. . This is because, if there is at least randomness in selecting events, the continuity corresponding to the recording date and recording time is lost in the order in which the image files are sequentially reproduced. However, with regard to this point as well, in the present embodiment, the randomness of the in-event file is given and selection is made so that the appearance rate of the file in terms of recording time (time) becomes more uniform. It is what you are doing.

A technical configuration for realizing the random reproduction of the present embodiment described so far will be described with reference to FIGS.
When executing random reproduction according to the present embodiment, for example, the CPU 10 creates an event selection management table shown in FIG. 7 and a file selection management table shown in FIG. By using these tables, random playback is advanced while managing selected events and image files as described later.

First, the event selection management table shown in FIG. 7 is table information used to appropriately perform cyclic random selection of events, and manages an event selection history for each round of random selection of events. .
As shown in the figure, the event selection management table has a structure in which one event number is associated with each t_pos1 = 0 to n defined as an integer variable. The event number registered so as to be associated with this t_pos1 is referred to as a registered event number.

The file selection management table shown in FIG. 8 is table information used for performing random selection of files.
The file selection management table is made up of table information corresponding to each event number. Each table information has a structure in which one file number is associated with each t_pos2 defined as an integer variable. A file number registered so as to be associated with this t_pos2 is referred to as a registered file number.

  The flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 11 show the procedure of processing executed for random reproduction according to the present embodiment. The processes shown in these drawings are shown as, for example, a process executed by the CPU 10 according to a program for random reproduction and an operation of each unit in the digital camera 1 according to this process. In this embodiment, the program to be executed by the CPU 10 is previously stored in the ROM 11 or the nonvolatile memory 12a. For example, the digital camera 1 according to this embodiment corresponds to the program. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which programs can be stored in various media and stored in the ROM 11 later. Alternatively, a network communication function may be provided as the communication unit 16 of the digital camera 1 to receive program data transmitted from another server, terminal, or the like via a network and install it.

  In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, random playback is started in response to, for example, an operation instructing random playback by the user. If this operation is performed, for example, the processing after step S101 shown in FIG. 9 is executed. In FIG. 1, HDDs, optical discs, magneto-optical discs, semiconductor storage devices, and the like are shown as examples of media that the digital camera 1 supports. It is assumed that the media to be reproduced has already been specified.

  In step S101, event numbers for each of these events are set for all events that are recorded and set to manage image files on the medium that is the target of random playback. An event set in a medium can be acquired together with the event name by accessing the file system of the medium, for example. Then, for each event acquired in this way, an event number is set, for example, as described in FIG.

In the subsequent step S102, the file selection management table shown in FIG. 8 is initialized. In the initialization state, for example, a valid value as a reproduction file number is not registered in the table corresponding to each registered event number shown in FIG.
In the next step S103, the event selection management table is initialized. Even when the event selection management table is initialized, a valid value as a registered event number is not registered.

In step S104, a value of 0 is set for variable a (registered event number a) indicating the registered event number. The registered event number a here refers to the number of events registered in the event selection management table. Information such as the number of registered events a and the number of registered files b described later may be written and held in the RAM 12 under the control of the CPU 10, for example.
In step S105, a random number seed used for selecting a reproduction target event is generated. The event to be played is an event whose selection has been confirmed as to play and output the internal file in random playback.

In step S106, it is determined whether or not the selection of the event to be reproduced has been completed by the process of random selection of events so far. In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, an event for which reproduction of all files stored in itself is completed is excluded from selection candidates for reproduction target events. Accordingly, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the selection candidate for the event to be reproduced at that time has been completed. For example, in the case of the third round of event selection in the case of FIG. 6, the number of files stored in the event [2004/8/15] is 2, so in step S106, the event [2004/8/15] It is determined whether or not the selection of the seven events excluding is completed. This determination can be recognized by referring to the event selection management table and the file selection management table. That is, in the event selection management table, an event number selected as a reproduction target event according to generation of a random number is registered. However, the registered event number includes an event number in which all internal files have already been reproduced, as will be understood from the processing described later. Therefore, by referring to the file selection management table, the event number at which all the internal files have already been reproduced is recognized, and the recognition result is compared with the registered contents of the event number in the event selection management table. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the selection of the reproduction target event has been completed after excluding the event in which all the internal files have been reproduced from the selection candidates.
If a positive determination result is obtained in step S106, the process returns to step S103. As a result, event selection for the next round is started from the beginning.
On the other hand, if a negative determination result is obtained in step S106, assuming that the selection of the reproduction target event has not yet been completed, the process proceeds to step S107 and subsequent steps.

  Step S107 and subsequent steps are processing for finally selecting and reproducing and outputting one image file as a reproduction target. For this reason, first, in step S107, an image file to be reproduced is stored. Execute the process to select the event to be performed.

The processing procedure for selecting the reproduction target event as step S107 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In FIG. 10, first, in step S201, 0 is set to the variable t_pos1 used in the event selection management table.
In the next step S202, an event number n is generated. This is a process of selecting an event at random as specified by an event number. For this purpose, a random number is generated using the random number seed generated in the previous step S105, and the generated numerical value is set as an event number n.

In step S203, a determination is made as to whether or not a = t_pos1 holds for the current registered event number a and the current variable t_pos1. The case where a positive determination result is obtained in step S203 means that the event number n generated in the last step S202 is not yet registered in the event selection management table. On the other hand, if a negative determination result is obtained in step S203, the event number n generated in the last step S202 may be already registered in the event selection management table.
For example, when random playback is started and the process reaches step S203 for the first time, the event number is not yet registered in the event selection management table. At this time, the number of registered events is 0. Since t_pos1 is also set to 0 in step S201, a positive determination result is obtained in step S203.

  First, when a negative determination result is obtained in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, it is determined whether or not the event number n generated in the last step S202 is registered in the event selection management table in association with the value indicated by the current [t_pos1]. . Here, if a negative determination result is obtained, in step S205, 1 is incremented for t_pos1 as represented by t_pos1 = t_pos1 + 1, and the process returns to step S203. On the other hand, if a positive determination result is obtained in step S204, the current event number n has already been registered in the event selection management table, so the event number n is newly set. In order to acquire, it returns to the process of step S201. In the process of obtaining a positive determination result in step S204 and returning to step S201 to make a round of selection of the reproduction target event, it has already been selected as the reproduction target event and one of the internal files has been reproduced. The event is not selected again as a reproduction target event. That is, in the process of making a round of selection of the reproduction target event, the selected event is excluded from the selection candidates for the reproduction target event.

If a positive determination result is obtained in step S203, the process proceeds to step S206.
In step S206, the event number n generated in the last step S202 is registered in association with the current value of [t_pos1] in the event selection management table. Further, in accordance with the processing in step S206, in step S207, the number of registered events a is incremented by 1 as indicated by a = a + 1. Through the processing in steps S205 and S206, new registration of an event in the event selection management table is confirmed.

In the next step S208, it is determined whether or not all the files stored in the event have been reproduced as the status relating to the event of the event number n newly registered in the event selection management table in step S206. . Here, the state where the file has been reproduced means a state in which the reproduction is already completed while the file reproduction is completed.
The determination in step S208 can be performed by referring to the registration status of the registered file number in the file selection management table corresponding to the event number n, for example. For example, if all the in-event file numbers assigned to the file actually stored in the event of event number n are registered at least once as the registered file number of the file selection management table corresponding to event number n In step S208, a positive determination result is obtained.
If a negative determination result is obtained in step S208, the process shown in FIG. 9 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S108 and subsequent steps in FIG. This means that the event of event number n is confirmed as a playback target event, and thereafter, the process proceeds to processing for selecting a playback target file from the files stored in the determined playback target event. To do.

On the other hand, if a positive determination result is obtained in step S208, the process returns to step S201 to reselect the reproduction target event. As a result of obtaining a positive result in step S208 and returning to step S201, an event in which all internal files have already been reproduced is not actually selected as an event to be reproduced. . That is, an event for which all internal files have been reproduced is excluded from event selection candidates.

Returning to FIG.
In step S108 of FIG. 9, the in-event file number is set for all files stored in the event selected as the reproduction target event (event of event number n). The event file number in step S108 is set according to a certain rule. For this reason, the process of step S108 is repeatedly executed every time the selection of the reproduction target event corresponding to step S107 is confirmed in the process of random reproduction. The relationship with the event file number is the same every time the process of step S108 is executed.

In the next step S109, the selection of the reproduction target file is finally confirmed, and a process for reproducing and outputting the reproduction target file for which the selection is confirmed is executed. The processing as step S109 is as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, a random number seed used for selection of a reproduction target file is generated. In the next step S302, the registered file number b, which is the number of files already registered in the file selection management table corresponding to the event number n, is acquired.

  In the subsequent step S303, 0 is set to the variable t_pos2 used in the file selection management table. In the next step S304, a random number is generated using the random number seed generated in the previous step S301, and the in-event file number m is generated using the generated random number. As a result of this processing, a reproduction target file is randomly selected from the same single event file.

  In step S305, it is determined whether or not b = t_pos2 holds for the current number of registered files b and the current t_pos2. The case where an affirmative determination result is obtained in step S305 means that the in-event file number m generated in the last step S304 is not yet registered in the file selection management table. On the other hand, if a negative determination result is obtained in step S305, the intra-event file number m generated in the last step S304 may already be registered in the event selection management table.

If a negative determination result is obtained in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306, and the in-event file number m generated in the last step S304 is the current [t_pos2 It is determined whether or not it is registered in association with the value indicated by].
If a negative determination result is obtained in step S306, the process proceeds to step S307, and the variable t_pos2 is incremented by 1, and the process returns to step S305. On the other hand, if a positive determination result is obtained in step S306, the process returns to step S303 to perform processing for regenerating the in-event file number m. By the process of obtaining an affirmative determination result in step S306 and returning to step S303, in the process of making a round of file reproduction, a file that has already been reproduced is not selected again as a reproduction target file. That is, in the process of making a selection of the reproduction target file, the selected file is excluded from the selection candidates for the reproduction target file.

If a positive determination result is obtained in step S305, the process proceeds to step S308.
In step S308, the in-event file number m generated in the last step S304 is registered in association with the current t_pos2 in the file selection management table of event number n, and along with this, the processing in subsequent step S309 is performed. As shown, the number of registered files b is incremented by one. Thereby, the selection of the file to be reproduced is confirmed.
In step S310, control is performed to read out the file determined as the file to be reproduced as described above from the medium and reproduce and output it.
At this time, the file with the file number m in the event stored in the reproduction target event to which the event number n is given should be reproduced and output. The event number and the file number in the event are set for the purpose of taking correspondence between the random number used for random selection and the event and the file. Therefore, when reproducing a file, the event name, the file name, etc. are reacquired from the event number and the in-event file number, and then access control is executed using, for example, a file system. As a result, it becomes possible to access and play the target file. As a playback mode at this time, for example, as described above, a still image file is displayed over a predetermined time. In addition, the moving image is continuously displayed from the beginning to the end.

Returning to FIG.
If it is determined that the reproduction target file has been reproduced by the process in step S109, the process in step S110 is performed. In step S110, a determination is made as to whether or not the reproduction of all files to be randomly reproduced has been completed. As a process for this, refer to the file selection management table corresponding to each event number, and compare whether or not the number of registered files in each file selection management table matches the actual number of files in the event. Good. Alternatively, it can also be determined by comparing whether or not the value of the number of registered files b held for each event number matches the actual number of files in the event.
If a negative determination result is obtained in step S110, the process returns to step S106. As a result, the selection of the playback target event and the playback target file for selecting the playback target file from the files that have not been played back is resumed.
On the other hand, if a positive determination result is obtained in step S110, the process returns to step S102. As a result, the random reproduction is resumed from the state in which the event selection management table, the file selection management table, and various variables so far are initialized.
In the process of executing the processes shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, for example, if an operation for instructing the stop of random playback is performed, the process for random playback is performed accordingly. Will be canceled.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration as the embodiment described so far.
For example, in the present embodiment, events (classification areas), which are logical areas for storing image files (moving image files, still image files) recorded on media, are classified according to the recording date. This is just an example. That is, the event may be classified and set by a classification item other than the recording date. For example, it is conceivable to set an event for each location and region where a file is recorded. Accordingly, the event may be automatically generated according to recording a file as in the present embodiment, or an event is created according to a user operation, It may be possible to perform management by a user such as storing a file already recorded on a medium for these events.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the file that is randomly played back is image data of a moving image or a still image. However, for example, audio data may be targeted.
In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the digital camera 1. However, the present invention is not limited to a device that can reproduce data corresponding to a medium on which unit data corresponding to a file unit is recorded. Applicable.
Various processing procedures for random playback to be executed by the playback device are conceivable in addition to those shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 11, and may be changed as appropriate according to actual various conditions. It's okay.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the digital camera as embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the example of a management state of the image file recorded on a medium. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which event numbers are set for events forming an event group in the management state of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an in-file event number is set for files forming an in-event file group in one event in the management state of FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the example of the file reproduction | regeneration order of the event selection 1st round under the management state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the file reproduction order of the event selection 2nd round under the management state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an event selection management table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a file selection management table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation for random reproduction | regeneration. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation for the reproduction | regeneration target event selection in the process of random reproduction | regeneration. It is a flowchart which shows the process operation | movement for selection of reproduction | regeneration target file and reproduction | regeneration in the process of random reproduction | regeneration.

Explanation of symbols

  1 digital still camera, 2 optical system unit, 3 photoelectric conversion unit, 4 image signal processing unit, 5 image input / output unit, 6 camera function unit, 7 display unit, 8 audio processing unit, 9 audio input / output unit, 10 CPU, 11 ROM, 12 RAM, 12a Non-volatile memory, 13 Media controller, 15 Operation input unit, 16 Communication unit

Claims (13)

As a target recording medium on which data as unit data for each classification area is a data storage area that is created belongs is managed according to a predetermined classification, which randomly selects one classification region from among the classified areas Then, among the classification areas selected in the past, at least the classification area selected last is excluded from the selection candidates, the classification area selection means for executing the selection of the classification area of this time ,
Unit data selection means for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification area selected by the classification area selection means;
The unit data selected by the unit data selection means, reproduction means for reading out and reproducing from the recording medium,
The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including selection of the classification area by the classification area selection unit and selection of the unit data by the unit data selection unit, and the selected unit data is selected. Execution control means for controlling the reproduction means to sequentially reproduce in accordance with the order ;
Ru with a playback device. The classification area selection means is:
It is configured to perform the selection of the current classification area by excluding the classification area selected in the past from the selection candidates.
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1. A classification area number assigning unit for assigning a number to each classification area;
The classification area selection means is configured to select the classification area based on the correspondence between the generated random number and the number assigned to the classification area.
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1. The unit data selection means is
One unit data is randomly selected from the unit data belonging to the classification area selected by the classification area selection means.
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1. The unit data selection means is
To select the current unit data by excluding at least the most recently selected unit data from the selection candidates belonging to the classification area that is the target of the current unit data selection Composed of,
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1. The unit data selection means is
It is configured to select the unit data of this time, excluding the unit data that belongs to the classification area that is the target of selection of the unit data and is selected in the past from the selection candidates,
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1. For the above unit data, further comprising a unit data number assigning means Numbering in the classification region,
The unit data selection means is configured to select the unit data based on the correspondence between the generated random number and the number assigned to the unit data.
The reproducing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein: Randomly selecting one classification area from the above classification areas for a recording medium in which data is managed so that unit data belongs to each classification area that is a data storage area created according to a predetermined classification In the case where all the classification areas are selected at least once by the selection of the classification areas up to the previous time, the current classification area is selected from the state where all the classification areas are set as selection candidates. Classification region selection means to be
  Unit data selection means for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification area selected by the classification area selection means;
  Reproduction means for reading out and reproducing unit data selected by the unit data selection means from the recording medium;
  The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including selection of the classification area by the classification area selection unit and selection of the unit data by the unit data selection unit, and the selected unit data is selected. Execution control means for controlling the reproduction means to sequentially reproduce in accordance with the order;
  A playback device comprising: The classification area selection means is:
For the classification area in which all of the unit data to which it belongs has already been read out by the reading means, it is excluded from the selection candidates and the selection of the current classification area is executed.
Reproducing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 8. As a target recording medium on which data as unit data for each classification area is a data storage area that is created belongs is managed according to a predetermined classification, which randomly selects one classification region from among the classified areas Then, among the classification areas selected in the past, at least the classification area selected last is excluded from the selection candidates, and the classification area selection procedure for executing the selection of the current classification area ,
A unit data selection procedure for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification region selected by the classification region selection procedure;
The unit data selected by the unit data selection procedure, the regeneration procedure of reading out and reproducing from the recording medium,
The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including the selection of the classification area by the classification area selection procedure and the selection of the unit data by the unit data selection procedure , and the selected unit data is selected. An execution control procedure for controlling the reproduction so as to be sequentially reproduced by the reproduction procedure according to the order
That reproduction method to perform. Randomly selecting one classification area from the above classification areas for a recording medium in which data is managed so that unit data belongs to each classification area that is a data storage area created according to a predetermined classification In the case where all the classification areas are selected at least once by the selection of the classification areas up to the previous time, the current classification area is selected from the state where all the classification areas are set as selection candidates. Classification area selection procedure to be
  A unit data selection procedure for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification region selected by the classification region selection procedure;
  A reproduction procedure for reading out and reproducing the unit data selected by the unit data selection procedure from the recording medium;
  The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including the selection of the classification area by the classification area selection procedure and the selection of the unit data by the unit data selection procedure, and the selected unit data is selected. An execution control procedure for controlling the reproduction so as to be sequentially reproduced by the reproduction procedure according to the order;
Play method. As a target recording medium on which data as unit data for each classification area is a data storage area that is created belongs is managed according to a predetermined classification, which randomly selects one classification region from among the classified areas Then, among the classification areas selected in the past, at least the classification area selected last is excluded from the selection candidates, and the classification area selection procedure for executing the selection of the current classification area ,
A unit data selection procedure for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification region selected by the classification region selection procedure;
The unit data selected by the unit data selection procedure, the regeneration procedure of reading out and reproducing from the recording medium,
The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including the selection of the classification area by the classification area selection procedure and the selection of the unit data by the unit data selection procedure , and the selected unit data is selected. An execution control procedure for controlling the reproduction so as to be sequentially reproduced by the reproduction procedure according to the order ;
That causes the playback device to execute the program. Randomly selecting one classification area from the above classification areas for a recording medium in which data is managed so that unit data belongs to each classification area that is a data storage area created according to a predetermined classification In the case where all the classification areas are selected at least once by the selection of the classification areas up to the previous time, the current classification area is selected from the state where all the classification areas are set as selection candidates. Classification area selection procedure to be
  A unit data selection procedure for selecting one unit data from the unit data belonging to the classification region selected by the classification region selection procedure;
  A reproduction procedure for reading out and reproducing the unit data selected by the unit data selection procedure from the recording medium;
  The unit data is selected by repeating the selection process including the selection of the classification area by the classification area selection procedure and the selection of the unit data by the unit data selection procedure, and the selected unit data is selected. An execution control procedure for controlling the reproduction so as to be sequentially reproduced by the reproduction procedure according to the order;
That causes the playback device to execute the program.

Images